Barcelona president talks about his return, his decisions, the best and worst moments so far

Joan Laporta’s return to the presidency was the seed that eventually led to the fruit relished by fans today. If Barcelona are slowly returning to a team worthy of competing in Europe, the Spaniard’s presence at the helm is a major factor.

The club president spoke to SPORT about a range of topics from his return to the club to Lionel Messi’s departure.

Speaking about his second term in charge of the club, Laporta said that it was more challenging this time around than it was in 2003.

“It was even more complicated than I expected. Basically because of the salary margin issue. It has made things very difficult for us. That is why I value so much what has been done in this area.”

He was then asked to point out the best and the worst moments of his tenure so far. Laporta replied,

“The worst has been the forced departure of Messi. And the best, seeing how Xavi and his team are recovering our football essences. And also the unity in the board of directors.”

He added that the ultimate objective was to ensure joy for the supporters across the globe.

“The objective is to bring joy back to Barcelona fans. We are in the process of achieving it.”

The Spanish businessman was then quizzed as to whether he regretted any of his decisions as the club president so far. To that, Laporta replied in the negative and justified his position saying,

“I do not regret any decision. Some of them may have tasted bad to me, but I don’t regret it. I have put the institution above all else. Above everything and everyone.”

The motto of Laporta’s presidential campaign was the promise of returning the club to its former glory. The president said that the team were on the right track.

“I said that we would return the joy to Barcelona and we are on the way to achieving it. Right now I see more hope than joy. We are all aware that this hope can become a great joy.”

Laporta outlined the various factors that ensured the club’s rapid rise in the past months, stressing the constant hard work put in by multiple departments.

“And it can be achieved because we are working every day, every hour, every moment, to achieve this: win titles and bring joy back to Barcelona.”